Yaya Touré

42

Position

Midfielder

Date of Birth

May 13, 1983

Yaya Touré

Bio

Gnégnéri Yaya Touré, usually known more simply as Yaya Touré, was born in Bouaké on 13 May 1983. The Ivorian international plays as a central midfielder and his versatility has allowed him to switch between defensive and offensive roles throughout his career. Known for his power, technique and passing, he is regarded as one of the best African footballers of all time. Yaya is the younger brother of Kolo Touré, who he played with for several seasons at Manchester City.

Touré began his professional career with Beveren and quickly attracted attention from Arsenal, who took him on trial. However, work permit issues prevented a permanent switch from taking place and he instead transferred to Metalurh Donetsk in 2003. Moves to Olympiacos and Monaco followed, with Touré receiving comparisons to ...

Gnégnéri Yaya Touré, usually known more simply as Yaya Touré, was born in Bouaké on 13 May 1983. The Ivorian international plays as a central midfielder and his versatility has allowed him to switch between defensive and offensive roles throughout his career. Known for his power, technique and passing, he is regarded as one of the best African footballers of all time. Yaya is the younger brother of Kolo Touré, who he played with for several seasons at Manchester City.

Touré began his professional career with Beveren and quickly attracted attention from Arsenal, who took him on trial. However, work permit issues prevented a permanent switch from taking place and he instead transferred to Metalurh Donetsk in 2003. Moves to Olympiacos and Monaco followed, with Touré receiving comparisons to the likes of Patrick Vieira. Then, in 2007, he joined FC Barcelona.

Upon moving to Spain, Touré quickly established himself as an important player in the side that went on to win six trophies in 2009, including the Champions League and La Liga. However, the emergence of Sergio Busquets meant that Touré struggled to retain his place in his preferred midfield position and in 2010, he completed a £24 million move to Manchester City. It took little time for him to settle in the Premier League and in his debut season, Touré managed ten goals in all competitions; his best tally up until that point, as City lifted the FA Cup. In his second season, he was a crucial part of the team that went on to win the 2011-12 Premier League title and was named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.

Touré was part of the Ivory Coast squad that competed in the team's first ever World Cup in 2006 and he later played in his second World Cup in 2010. In 2011, 2012 and 2013, he was named as the African Footballer of the Year.